Green River College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Christine

Dont be afraid to try new things! That class that looks interesting, but your not sure if you'll be any good, take it! Step out of your comfort zone and try new clubs and get to know people. Studying and doing well academically is important but don't let it take up all your time. Put down the books and get to know the poelp on campus. Also, be a better saver when it comes to money. Its okay to spend a little but you never know what the future holds! Don't spend all your hard earned cash in the same place. Most of all enjoy college, if you're not happy where you are then don't stay there.

Alexandria

If I could possibly go back to the college fearing senior I was a year ago I'd definatly have a lot to talk about. Mainly advice about how college isn't as scary as I thought. It's scary but more so in the sense of unknowning then confusing and complicated. I'd tell myself to ditch all the web sites and to go to an actual campus instead of slacking off on my computer. I'd tell myself to work harder on the financial aid because it'd cause a lot less head aches in the future. Lastly I'd tell myself to stop worrying and enjoy what's left of highschool so I don't look back at it and only see my past annoyances.

Destinie

I am unable to answer this question because I havn't done my senior year of high school yet (this will happen during the 2014-2015 school year), as I am a Running Start student. However if I could talk to my junior self before leaving high school classes, I would advice myself to just go with the flow and don't stress when things don't go exactly as planned. Because stressing over something that you can't change will only distract you from what needs to be done. I would also tell myself that when I need help, I need to go ask for it because I can't always teach myself.

Eli

Don't be afraid. I know you think that advice is impractical and that you need to weigh all the risks to everything, but you're wrong. It's ok to fail. Actually, it's better than ok, it's necessary. Instead of fearing the worst, hope for the best. Some of your favorite memories will be a direct result of breaking out of your comfort zone and doing something entirely out of character. Rock the boat! You can get away with more than you think you can. Write that piece in the school paper. Talk to your editor about your ideas, and find an interesting point of view for your prompts. The worst you will get is a no. Make something you are proud of. Take chances socially, too. Ask that interesting guy you're talking to if he wants go rock climbing. Grab a pizza with your lab partners. Kiss Brittany Ferguson! It's worth the risk. Take time to appreciate how great it is to be you. Relish the high points. Wait out the lows. Everything will be fine.

Payton

I was recently sent an essay I wrote for a high school time capsule. The prompt was "What Does Success Look Like To You?". In my perfectionist nature, I wrote about my view of success: Grades, work, and sacrificing everything for grades, "to be happy". If I could tell myself one thing as a high school senior, it would be that there is more to life than that. There is more to life than trying to become unattainable perfection, and happiness equates to more than a GPA. Yes, it is important to work hard and use potential that you have for good grades. But college is more importantly about learning new things about yourself and the world. I'd tell myself I wouldn't be wishing I'd read a little extra or studied a little harder, but wishing I read a book about something that wasn't for school, or doing extra curricular activities for pleasure instead of as application boosters. I would tell myself that perfection is something people strive for and never get, and happiness is something people never get when they spend life striving for it- instead of seeing it's right in front of them.

Sunny

I would advise myself to work harder finding scholarships and grants. Where I come from, money is very difficult to find and in order to recieve a proper, well rounded education I need the financial assistance. I would also tell myself to work harder in school and to never give up on my goals. I should always pursue my dreams and have faith in what the future holds.

Miracle

The advice I would give myself would be to follow your heart and attend the school you want to and not attend the school because they want you too. Major in something that is dear to your heart, not because your family expects it. Live on campus and become more involved in organizations and events. Be more socialable and attend office hours of all youur professors on the regular. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and be sure to accept all help that is offered. Study more and complete assisgnments when given, therefore there will be more time to correct errors. Do not be easily influenced by others, and learn to be a strong minded individual whom is focused on achieving all your goals.

Jonathan

Just hang in there, college is sooo much better, you can choose your classes and you have so much more freedom. All the jerks that annoyed you so much have all been weeded out and now the remaints are so much better. You can do what you want and be anything you want to be, don't be afraid to be yourself because the way you've lived your life kind of sucked you're allowed to express yourself, go ahead sing, dance and love.

marlize

Going back into time sounds like a great way to prepare my young self for what to expect in college. Growing up with a single mom with no college degree there wasn't much support for your educational goals. I just tried to get through high school so I could leave the house. Now, looking back I know it was a sily mistake to make. Not studying and barely passing your exams seems to me the easy way out. I have this amazing supportive husband that helps me get through the hard and tuff times where you just want to give up. Knowing now that getting an A on a test or exam is so rewarding and has a unbelieveble good feeling! Failing a test or exam, not so much!! In conclusion, I would definitely tell myself from a few years ago that no matter what is going on in your life, there is always going to be a job for you once you have a degree. Never to take the easy way out and to study, study study!

kendra

If I got the chance to go back to high school I would not let myself give up as easily as I did. My junior year of high school my parents went through a really nasty divorce, which I felt like, ruined my life. My mother had been cheating on my dad for the past thirteen years with many different men including her ex husband who she ended up re-marrying again recently. I was a gymnast for thirteen years and always made pretty good grades in school. When my parents got a divorce my entire life changed and I had to quit and start taking care of my younger sisters. My grades suffered and I almost completely stopped caring about school. If I could go back I would tell myself to push through the pain and that it will eventually get better but high school is time for myself and important if I want to go to a good college. I ended up going to a community college, which was not what I had planned. I would have told myself not to procrastinate on anything and always try my hardest.

Long

The one advice that I would give to myself is to create a set of goals/ plan for after high school. Ask myself what I would like to accomplish by the end of high school, make a plan on how I would like to reach them. There is a lot of room for improvement and there is no reason not to improve. Whether it is college, a vocational school, or the military, just make sure I have a plan for something, and make sure I'm working to acheive that goal.

Michelle

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would want to give myself the confidence to enroll in college immediately. Neither of my parents went to college and I didn't know anyone else that was attending college at the time. I was convinced that I could not afford college and that my grades were not good enough. It took me almost 20 years to discover that the opportunity to attend college is open to everyone, regardless of background or economic level. I would find a way to convey the wonder I felt to step on campus for the first time and know that I belonged. I would find a way to convey the pride I felt the day I was invited to join the honor's society. I would find a way to let myself know that I deserved to have a future filled with all the possibilities that college offers and that I deserved to take a chance.

Ashley

I have attended four different colleges and all of them have brought about a different experience. While participating in these schools I have learned alot. I definitely think that college teaches you things that cannot be learned anywhere else. If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school I would give myself a few words of advice. I would tell myself to not be afraid or ashamed to be my own person, to know who I was and not let people try to tell me who to be. There is nothing wrong with picking a major and changing it down the road, as people grow, their expectations of life change and choosing a career is a big decision. The only way to know if you like something is to try it. I tried so many things and none of them seemed to fit what I was looking for, so I gave up or decided to take a break. Education is so important and can improve a person drastically, but I won't say that it is easy, so perseverance is key. Continue working until you achieve your goal but don't forget to enjoy life.

Daniel

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice, I'd tell myself to get to your (my) dormroom before your (my) roommate gets there; only then can you (I) claim the bottom bunk. Jumping off a six-foot bed onto hard, cold tile floors at five in the morning is no fun. Other than that, I wouldn't tell myself a word; one of the best things about going to college was the feeling of antisipation I got when I started classes. It was like waking up on a warm spring day and opening my eyes for the first time. In high school I could feel the chill of winter and the warmpth of summer but until I got to college, I didn't posess the curiosity to question why the summer was warm and the winter cold.

Brandi

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself a lot of advice about college life. First, I would advise myself to start off at a community college right away to get prerequisites done. I would also tell myself to still live at home and find a better job as soon as possible. I will be able to save up money for when I transfer to a university by doing this. Next, I will make sure to inform myself about scholarship opportunities that are available. That way I can start early and hopefully get multiple scholarships. I will also make sure that I start researching colleges to transfer to early. By doing this, I will know what my GPA needs to be and all the other prerequisites needed for specific schools. I will tell myself to study each and everyday for as long as possible. Another helpful thing would be to start studying for the MCAT as soon as possible so I will be fully prepared to take it my Junior year. All of these things would be helpful. If only it were possible to go back in time...

June

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself not to quit. I made the mistake of not completing high school. I did get my G.E.D. about five years later. I felt as if I had let myself down and felt bad about not finishing high school. Three years later, I enrolled into community college to work towards an Associate of Science - Transfer Degree. It took me about a year to finish the pre requisites just to get to the tip of the AS-T program. I had to attend classes to work up to college level. I was working full time and attended class part time. I was paying for my classes out of pocket before my financial aid kicked in. It was very expensive, but I was determined to make up for not finishing school in the first place, and starting my life. I would tell myself that if I just finish high school and continue on from there, it would be a lot easier financially. Information would still be fresh in my head and I could just continue up the ladder.

Samantha

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to worry so much. I was sure that every decision needed to be made immediately and worried endlessly over which school to attend or what major to choose. Follow your heart and even if you make a bad decision, you won't regret it. Majors can be changed or not even declared until 90 credits have been completed at most colleges. Make friends with other people in your classes or dorm because they're just as nervous and excited to be out on their own as you are! Enjoy being a young college student while you still can. There is so much to explore, be sure to try new things and have new experiences!

Nycolle

Don't rush into going to getting out of High school. That you only get a certian a mount of months and time to have that fun during that last year. You don't want to rush the last year you have with people you may never see again. I would want to tell myself that the time I spent that year can't ever be found again, so love like you wont see that love again. Laugh so hard with friends that you will happily relive every moment as a happy one. Most of all remind myself that making myself happy is the one thing that matters. Share those great times, take lots of picutres to remember those times. Make life happy, spend time, love time, have time. Time is one thing not to waste before going to college. For there isn't much time after High school.

Adam

Given the opportunity to live out the scenario of meeting my high school self, many things would run through my thoughts. ?You need to study harder.? ?You need to take better notes.? As much as I would like to say this however, these pieces of advice offer very little and touch purely on the academic transition into college life. Looking at myself I would appeal to a more personal concern: you are not alone. ?Don?t assume because you are new to college life that you need to go at it alone and unsure.? With so few dependable people around it is easy to forget that there are people whom you may depend on. Teachers, counselors, and mentors from all walks of life, who want to watch you succeed. It is these dependable few that you may rely on to help you, and this transition, although difficult, will be easier if you just ask the right questions. College is about growth through knowledge, both academically and personally, and by letting fear grip you, you will lead yourself down a more difficult road. You may see no one walking beside you, but that does not mean that you must walk alone.

Jake

This is going to sound irrelevent, but it makes sense to me. Stay away from specialized schools, they can promise all kinds of stuff but the premium isnt worth the prize. I'm glad I went to Green River, you have to learn the basics, why pay a premium to cover the same subject? As for a warning, just watch yourself. If you dont keep an eye on your habbits you could very easily start to fall down the wrong path, and before you know it the quarters over, and you get to take your classes again because you didnt have the work done, or you didnt know the materials

Heather

Heather- I know that you are eager to get out on your own and experience life after high school, and that your plan after graduation is to "take a year off" from school, get a temporary part-time job at the mall, and move out of Mom and Dad's house. Let me tell you now that your "year off" will turn into a seven-year study in what NOT to do after high school, and that job at the mall will quickly become a career in retail management that will do nothing but make you question your faith in humanity. Forget about the year off, forget about Cammeron (he's going to dump you in a couple of months anyway), and enroll at TCC. The longer you wait to start, the harder it will be. Also, don't get married- it won't end well.

Laura

If I could back and give myself three words of advice during my senior year in high school, it would be; value your education. As a high school senior, I could not wait to finish school. I never fully appreciated the significance of education for myself and most of all, my future. For me, college taught me that importance. High school is a general eduaction, in some classrooms, it seemed as if hours were wasted. To me, college is a better use of the educational system. College provides more specefic training for each career path and future goals, as well as a better use of time (less busy work and sitting around). If I could go back to the beginning of junior year, I would have chosen to do a program called "Running Start". This program allows juniors and seniors that meet the requirements to attend community college free of tuition in placement of regular high school courses. I really wish I would have done this, to not only get a head start free of charge, but so I could actually learn the importance of education earlier on.

Justin

If I were able to hop in a DeLorean and visit myself in high school, I would tell my past self several things. First and foremost, I would tell myself not to procrastinate. There are many opportunities and deadlines I have missed because I put them off until the last minute. Secondly, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Having to work while attending college has a serious impact on the amount of time I have available to study, the amount of time I can dedicate to extracurricular activities such as Engineering Club, and of course, time to sleep. Speaking of which, I would tell myself to get more sleep. Staying up late trying to finish assignments (that I procrastinated on) results in a sloppy assignment, and makes it very difficult to concentrate in class the next day. I would tell myself to go to bed early, wake up early, and work on assignments a day or two in advance in the morning, when my brain is actually able to function. Finally, I would tell myself to not get discouraged. Although class work can sometimes be overwhelming, a good education is worth the time and effort.

Chidubem

Making the transition from high schoo life to college life is very challenging. Knowing what I know now as a college student I would make some adjustments in my preparations to transition from high school to college . Academically I would have enrolled and taken as much honor role courses as possible . The running start program is one program that I should have taken advantage of because it would have helped me to reduce the number of years that I will have to spend in my undergraduate program. One of the key challenges I faced transitioning from high school to college life is having to make most of my decisions. College life demand being focused on the challenges of getting your work done to achieve the set goal without being told when to do it Knowing what I know now it is important to talk and meet with your college advisors and ask them questions about what college life is like and what is expected of you before school starts. I come from a low middle income family so the financial challenge I am going through now is tremendous but I am determined to graduate from college with your help.

Heather

Take the time to look into schools before your senior year. Then, you will have the time to tour all the schools you want before having to make a last minute descision. Use your senior year to do overnight stays at you top choice schools. This lets you get a feel for dorm life and what the students tend to be like. Read online reviews and sit in on a class. Then take a few months, take another tour, apply, and have tons of time to make your decision.